Groups can do it all in Omaha, Nebraska. Take a stroll through 100 acres of botanical beauty and explore the world’s largest indoor desert. Visit twelve countries without a passport, have afternoon tea at a Scottish castle, and be captivated by the intricate architecture of Omaha’s Hindu Temple.
“We know you are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, and Omaha delivers,” says Jessica Settje, tourism sales manager at Visit Omaha. “Omaha offers a variety of options for your group, including ethnic, historic, military, and holiday tours. Our group tour experts are uniquely qualified to help plan your tour and help customize a memorable experience for your clients.”
Visit
Travel the world at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, consistently ranked one of the world’s best zoos. The 130-acre zoo is home to the world’s largest indoor desert atop the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit under the world’s largest geodesic dome. The zoo is also North America’s largest indoor rainforest. More than seven acres of indoor exhibits set at around 72 degrees make the zoo a true year-round attraction. Glide above the zoo on Skyfari, an open-air chairlift, or experience the power of the IMAX theater. See “African Grasslands,” the zoo’s largest exhibit to date, and Alaskan Adventure, a splash park boasting 78 bronze sculptures. Request a special presentation on topics such as endangered species, coral conservation, or animal teamwork.
Explore
Tour the expansive campus of Father Flanagan’s Boys Town, a National Historic Landmark District. Preserved in time inside this world-renowned village are the Hall of History museum, historic chapels, gardens, and Father Flanagan’s 1920s home. In fact, it’s the stuff that movies are made of—”Boys Town,” the 1938 movie starring Spencer Tracey and Mickey Rooney, won two Academy Awards (one of which is on display in the Hall of History).
Tour
The Durham Museum, one of the first art deco train stations in the country, is a Smithsonian affiliate that houses restored train cars, 1940s storefronts, and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the world’s rarest coins and documents. Groups will have the chance to go inside a replica of Warren Buffett’s grandfather’s grocery store, where at age 6, Warren made his first nickel. Be sure to enjoy a phosphate or malt at the museum’s authentic soda fountain.
Marvel
Be transported to Scotland with a visit to the historic 1903 Joslyn Castle & Gardens. This 30-room limestone mansion was designed by John McDonald in the Scottish Baronial style. As your group enters through the huge front doors, they will be amazed by the craftsmanship of the elaborate wood interior, which comes from all parts of the world. Your group will hear the fascinating story of George and Sarah Joslyn and how the couple shared their extraordinary wealth with the community.
Watch
Omaha Community Playhouse, America’s largest community theater, provides some of the finest productions in the Midwest. Experience behind-the-scenes tours before the performances. Enjoy an array of performances at the Omaha Symphony, from timeless masterpieces to high-energy rock ’n’ roll, pop, and soaring movie music. Omaha Performing Arts is responsible for bringing some of the world’s finest artists to Omaha through a diverse presenting series featuring Broadway, classical, jazz, dance, and more. Nebraska’s only professional opera company, Opera Omaha, offers dynamic, innovative productions with world-class singers at the historic Orpheum Theater. Enjoy pre-show lectures in the lobby before the curtain rises on these stunning performances.
Eat
Gather the group and enjoy a meal at one of Omaha’s group-friendly dining options. At Big Mama’s Kitchen, your group can select from a variety of soul food dishes along with Big Mama’s famous sweet potato pie ice cream. Enjoy an evening of German dancing, singing, and ethnic food at German-American Society. Choose from a meal selection of rouladen, sauerbraten, or jagerschnitzel. After dinner, the German American Society’s dance troupe performs, and the German men’s choir will lead your group in a traditional German sing-along. Visit St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church for a homemade Greek meal and dance performance. Travel back in time with a frontier dinner at the General Crook House Museum.
Lead image:
Omaha skyline
Credit: Courtesy of Visit Omaha